Are things improving in the U.S. job market? Employers cut jobs again in April -- but it's the
smallest number since last October.
A report released by the Department of Labor shows that employers cut 539,000 jobs last month,
an improvement from the steeper declines of the previous months -- causing some to say that
perhaps a turnaround has begun. As we have stated in this space numerous times in the past, we
still expect both the economy and the job market to be on much more solid ground in the last
quarter of this year. Expect more ups and downs as the economy gets going again, but we are
still hopeful that job market will grow ever stronger as the months move ahead.
Of course, with the additional job cuts, the unemployment rate in the U.S. increased from
8.3 percent to 8.9 percent -- the highest level since September 1983 -- and with more job
losses expected in the coming months, that number will likely get higher before it starts
to recede.
Furthermore, the number of persons working part time for economic reasons in April
was essentially un-changed at 8.9 million; however, the number of such workers has risen by 3.7
million over the past 12 months, according to Labor Department data.
As has ben the trend for months, the only sectors that saw a net increase in hiring were
education and health services and government employment. Construction, manufacturing, and
professional and business services saw the steepest losses.
Remember that even while there is a net loss of jobs in the economy, that does not
mean employers aren't hiring. Employers are hiring in certain sectors and areas of the
country -- but they can be more selective and take longer to find the ideal candidate, so
job-seekers need patience and persistence.
Since the "official" start of the recession in December 2007, the U.S. economy has lost
almost 6 million jobs.
May 5, 2009
In tough job-hunting times, job-seekers sometimes need to be creative to find new job leads.
Here are two examples of such job-seekers. But remember, the most successful job-seekers are
those who have a solid understanding of the job-search process -- and who harness the power of
networking to obtain referrals and job leads.
An out of work woman in Loveland, Colorado -- laid off since January -- was inspired to develop a job
fair for the people of her community and worked with a number of volunteers from her church to develop
the Northern Colorado Job Fair. At last word, they had recruited 18 employers to attend.
Creating a job fair in a struggling economic environment is tough, but what a wonderful concept --
both for herself, but also for those in her community who are also jobless or seeking a new job.
Besides working with your local house of worship, you could also contact local community groups
who might want to help sponsor such an event.
Finally, a woman in Bradenton, Florida, who lost her job more than six months ago, got together
with a friend to create a small home-based business (a trend many recently laid off workers are
considering) selling plastic wristbands that say: "Laid off. Need a job." Check it out:
Laid Off? Need a Job?
She is still looking for a fulltime position while starting this business, but her problem is
that she claims to "spend 10 to 12 hours a day on the Internet looking for a job" -- and sadly,
that is NOT the way to find a new jobÉ networking and referrals are the way to discover job
leads, not spending all day on the job boards.
Bottomline? Consider creative ways to generate job leads, but remember to also stick to the
fundamentals. Read more in our article, 10
Ways to Develop Job Leads.
Quintessential Resume & Cover Letter Tips Blog,
a blog from another part of the QuintCareers Network, with new resume and cover letter tips daily. A must-see for any active job-seeker.
The Career Doctor Blog,
a blog from another part of the QuintCareers Network, where each day our own Career Doctor Randall Hansen answers one career, job, college, or workplace question.
and reassurance.
The Occupational Adventure
Blog, from Curt Rosengren, a Passion Catalyst. Curt's older blog is great for finding encouraging ideas
(and resources) for moving forward with your career... a career that lights your fire. His newer blog is the
Passion Catalyst -- about loving your work.
Blue Sky Resumes Blog, from career
expert Louise Fletcher, a general career and job-search blog that covers all aspects of the job-hunt.
WorkStrong -- a
candid, completely honest discussion of the job market -- offering information and advice
about what it takes to succeed in the 21st Century world of work. From career and recruitment guru Peter Weddle.
